According to Shawn Gray, Vice President of Wal-Mart China Operations, the world's largest retailer, expects it can keep delivering annual sales growth in China of at least 25%. Of Wal-Mart's 6,000 stores worldwide, slightly over 200 are operate in China.

Although the firm's current quarter results could miss estimates amid global economic turmoil, analysts think the company is well-positioned to gain market share. Wal-Mart raised its full-year forecast on the strength of second-quarter results as shoppers have been looking for low prices on everything from food to health-care products and electronics.
 
"Wal-Mart is committed to China, and the growth will continue," Gray said.  That expansion is mirrored by global rivals France's Carrefour and Britain's Tesco.

[Click here for a top retail overview of China and news from the Asia Food Journal]